Sierra Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry in Richmond Virginia

Prevention

Preventive care helps avoid dental problems and costs down the road.

Dental Cleaning

We will perform a thorough exam of your teeth and the tissues that surround and support your teeth. The appropriate treatment plan for the health of your gingival tissues will be recommended. This could range from a routine dental cleaning to periodontal disease treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the space or pocket around the tooth becomes filled with plaque, tartar, and bacteria, causing inflammation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth.

In the early stages of disease, gingivitis, no irreversible damage has been done. One or more regular cleanings are done and the patient is instructed in improving oral hygiene care and returning for routine recall cleanings.

As the condition progresses to more advanced stages of periodontal disease, deeper cleaning with anesthetic will be recommended. Sometimes, Dr. Hamilton will recommend that you see a Periodontist (a specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

Oral Cancer Exam

More than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Dr. Hamilton does an oral cancer exam at each recare visit. If he finds a suspicious or abnormal area many times a brush biopsy can be done at that moment.

The Oral CDx Brush test is an easy, painless, and definitive way to test common white and red oral spots that most people have in their mouth at one time or another. A small brush is used to quickly collect a sample for computer-assisted laboratory analysis. If one of your oral spots is found to contain unhealthy cells, it can be removed years before it can cause harm. Get more information on the Oral CDx Brush.

Jaw (TMJ) Problems

Many people suffer with persistent pain, tenderness, and headaches stemming from the joint where the lower jaw meets the upper jaw. This condition can become quite debilitating and cause bite problems, difficulty eating, pain around the ears, and locked jaws.

Dr. Hamilton is prepared to guide you through a course of treatment to gain relief. Many patients benefit from a comfortable night guard which provides for healing of the joint and prevents damage to teeth from grinding.

Sealants and Fluoride

We believe in professional fluoride treatments to help children’s teeth better resist cavities. Also, many adults can be cavity-prone and Dr. Hamilton will help you develop a home-care program involving prescription toothpastes and rinses to prevent cavities.

Sealants are easily and painlessly applied to the grooves and pits in the chewing surfaces of teeth which are impossible to clean well. This coating lasts for years and keeps out plaque and food, thus decreasing the risk of decay.

Snoring

It is estimated that more than 100 million people in North America snore while sleeping. Disrupted sleep can affect the physical well-being of both the snorer and the partner alike. Dr. Hamilton can make a custom snore guard to wear while sleeping which helps many patients. It is quite comfortable and you, and your spouse, will wake well-rested and feeling better.

Sports Mouth Guards

We have seen too many kids rushed into our office with broken teeth from playing sports. We recommend sports guards for prevention of these heartbreaking injuries. We have all colors and combinations and some with team logos.

Mouth guards are not just for children. Many adults are active in various sports such as basketball and racquetball which could cause dental trauma. The fee is minimal compared to the pain and the cost of repairing these traumatic injuries.